Boom Chakalaka(Vegetarian)

Sharon123's Note:

Boom chakalaka! Born in the townships of South Africa, chakalaka is a simple, spicy dish of onions, tomatoes and often beans. It has been a staple for generations of black South Africans, and is a required condiment at South African braais, or barbecues. Chakalaka can be served hot or cold, over mealie pap, with slices of bread, or as a condiment for grilled meats. Adapted from whats4eats.

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 4

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 -3 hot chili peppers, minced (more or less depending on heat desired)
• 2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans in tomato sauce
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Optional ingredients

• minced fresh ginger (added with the onions)
• grated carrot (added with the onions)
• shredded cabbage (added after the tomatoes and simmered until cooked)
• chopped cauliflower (added after the tomatoes and simmered until cooked)
• chopped cilantro (stirred in at the end)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, chile peppers, garlic and curry powder(if using ginger and/or carrots, add now).
2. Saute, stirring frequently, until the onions and peppers are cooked down and wilted, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and bring to a boil(if using shredded cabbage and/or chopped cauliflower add now). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the baked beans, salt and pepper and stir to heat through. (If using chopped cilantro add now).
5. Serve hot or cold.